Georgia Tech to name Collins head coach

Temple coach Geoff Collins will be named head coach at Georgia Tech, replacing
the retiring Paul Johnson.

Johnson's 11-year run in Atlanta comes to a close later this month. He
announced plans to retire after the Quick Lane Bowl to "take a break" from the
rigors of college football.

According to multiple reports, Collins began finalizing a deal with Georgia
Tech late Thursday.

Collins was head coach at Temple for two seasons and won 15 games, including
an 8-4 mark in 2018. Prior to taking the Temple job, Collins was defensive
coordinator at FIU, Florida and Mississippi State.

Johnson established an identity rooted in the throwback option offense, a
scheme he also ran to great success at Georgia Southern before taking over the
Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech enters its bowl game with a 7-5 record.

Collins, a Georgia native, and Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Ken
Whisenhunt were the finalists for the position, but Whisenhunt withdrew from
consideration on Thursday.

Memphis coach Mike Norvell and North Texas coach Seth Littrell also
interviewed for the job this week.

This will be the third job title for Collins at Georgia Tech, where he served
as a graduate assistant (1999-2001) and recruiting coordinator (2006).